Institute of Food Technologists Student Association Elects Stellenbosch University’s Jana Schreuder Board President

CHICAGO – April 30, 2024 – The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA), a student-governed community of members of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), has elected Jana Schreuder from Stellenbosch University in South Africa as its next Board President. Schreuder is the first President-Elect from a non-U.S. institution in the history of IFTSA. Schreuder will spend the next year serving as President-Elect when the next Board cycle begins on September 1, 2024, and will then assume the role of Board President the following year starting on September 1, 2025.

IFTSA is a mission-driven organization that supports student members and chapters and aims to develop the leaders in the future of the science of food.

A graduate student, Schreuder is currently a Harry Crossley research fellow investigating the use of near-infrared hyperspectral imaging for rapid pathogen detection. She is passionate about the food industry including the development of new technology that will ultimately make food production systems safer, less wasteful, and more effective. In 2023, she was one of the recipients of Stellenbosch University’s prestigious Rector’s Award for Excellent Achievement in the Academic Excellence category.

“It’s an incredible honor to represent Stellenbosch University in this journey and I am grateful for the support from academic staff in achieving this milestone for our local food science department,” said Schreuder. “I am excited to start my next chapter within the office of the president of IFT and I especially look forward to learning from the accomplished leaders in the food industry that currently serve on our Board of Directors. I hope to contribute an international perspective to IFT’s diverse leadership team and play a role in expanding our global membership base over the next few years.”

Schreuder will have the opportunity to attend her second IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, on July 14-17, 2024, at McCormick Place in Chicago. IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) includes the largest global food science and innovation expo with more than 1,000 exhibitors offering the latest in ingredients, food and food tech trends, food tastings, and exposure to global innovations in food.

Another highlight of the popular annual food-science event is the IFTSA Student Competitions and Awards, which include:

• IFTSA & Mars Product Development Competition
• Developing Solutions for Developing Countries Product Development Competition
• Smart Snacks for Kids Product Development Competition
• Undergraduate Research and Graduate Research Video Competitions
• College Bowl Competition
• Excellence in Undergraduate and Graduate Leadership Awards
• Chapter of the Year Award

To register for IFT FIRST, go to IFT FIRST Registration.

Members receive a discount to IFT FIRST. To learn more about becoming a student member and taking advantage of networking, education, and advocacy opportunities year-round, email [email protected].

About Institute of Food Technologists Student Association

The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) is a student-governed community of more than 2,000 IFT members spanning 60 Chapters in 59 countries. IFTSA’s vision of a global community of inspired and informed students who are prepared for a future in food drives its mission to enrich the academic experience and empower students to thrive individually and together. To prepare the future and celebrate the community, IFTSA provides opportunities beyond the classroom and lab, grows student networks to facilitate meaningful and lasting connections, as well as includes and promotes diverse perspectives and backgrounds to foster a culture of belonging. For more information, visit ift.org/community/students.

About Institute of Food Technologists

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is a global organization of over 11,000 individual members from more than 100 countries committed to advancing the science of food. Since 1939, IFT has brought together the brightest minds in food science, technology and related professions from academia, government, and industry to solve the world’s greatest food challenges. IFT works to ensure that its members have the resources they need to learn, grow, and innovate to advance the science of food as the population and the world evolve. IFT believes that science and innovation is essential to ensuring a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. For more information, please visit ift.org.

Media Contact

Dennis Van Milligen
Director, Public and Media Relations
Institute of Food Technologists
630-853-3022
[email protected]